Is allude formal or informal?

It is fairly formal and common in writing or careful speech.

What is the difference between allude and refer to?

Refer to is direct. Allude is indirect and only hints at something.

Can I use allude in IELTS Writing?

Yes. It sounds natural in academic writing when you want to be indirect.

Do I say allude to or allude about?

Use allude to. Allude about is not standard English.

← Dictionary

allude

/əˈluːd/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To mention something indirectly, without saying it clearly. It often suggests a hidden meaning or a careful hint.

She alluded to the problem in her speech.
He alluded to his past without details.
The article alludes to recent changes.

Adinary Nuance

Allude is more indirect than mention. You allude to something when you hint at it, not when you say it plainly. It is also more formal than everyday words like bring up or refer to. Writers often use it in academic, careful, or polite speech.

In other languages

Vietnamese: ám chỉ
Spanish: aludir
Chinese: 暗指
Japanese: ほのめかす
Korean: 암시하다

Etymology

Allude comes from Latin alludere, meaning “to play with” or “to hint at.” It entered English in the 16th century.

Common phrases

allude toallude briefly toallude indirectly to

Synonyms

hint imply suggest refer to

Related words

mention refer imply insinuate

Frequently asked questions

Is allude formal or informal?: It is fairly formal and common in writing or careful speech.
What is the difference between allude and refer to?: Refer to is direct. Allude is indirect and only hints at something.
Can I use allude in IELTS Writing?: Yes. It sounds natural in academic writing when you want to be indirect.
Do I say allude to or allude about?: Use allude to. Allude about is not standard English.